The Imam of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Sheikh Dr Salah-al-Budair, is set to arrive in the Maldives tomorrow, in a historic visit aimed at reinforcing Islamic values and strengthening ties between the Maldives and Islamic institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, expressed that the Imam’s arrival will have a meaningful impact on the religious sector of the Maldives. He stated that the visit is part of several initiatives undertaken by the current Administration to promote and reinforce the Islamic character of the nation.

The Minister noted that this would be the first visit by an Imam from a Holy Mosque in over 40 years. The last visit of this kind occurred during the opening ceremony of the Islamic Centre in Malé, when Sheikh Muhammad al-Subayyil, Imam of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, attended the event.

Sheikh Dr Salah-al-Budair, known globally for his powerful Qur’anic recitation and leadership of Taraweeh prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, is expected to take part in a range of official religious and community engagements during his stay. These include:

Minister Dr Shaheem believes the visit will contribute positively to the nation’s ongoing religious development and deepen bilateral ties with key Islamic institutions, particularly those in Saudi Arabia, including the custodians of the Two Holy Mosques.

The visit, conducted under the direction of President Dr Muizzu, signifies the Government's commitment to elevating Islamic values and strengthening global religious connections.